Sorry I've been gone so long. I worked 9 days in a row and now I work today, tomorrow and Wednesday as well. Plus I need to just be a teen in the summer lol! But I'm back, I hope you are all still here and haven't given up on me.

Don't ever think I wont update. Only time that will happen is if I tell you directly.

Kk, Hope you enjoy this new twist... Y'all ready? ;)

Chapter 10: Thanksgiving Cullen Style

I took in a deep breath as I slid my dress up over one shoulder. I dressed in a casual dress with Lacey sleeves. Something, not too down but not too dressed up either. A perfect thanksgiving dinner dress. I also paired it with a orange and brown scarf, and a pair of brown boots. To look more festive.

Although it wasn't really Thanksgiving this is when the Cullen's celebrated. We couldn't on actual Thanksgiving because Edward has a game every year and everyone goes to watch. Which I'm pretty pumped about.

When I was finally ready and walked downstairs, everyone was waiting for me. They were all lounging back against the couch. Lucy in Edward's lap.

"Okay guys, I'm ready."

They all turned to look at me, Brian whooped and ran out the door followed closely by Lucy who seemed more excited than her uncle. Edward slowly made his way toward me and looked me up and down. "You look gorgeous." He said.

I blushed and looked down at my feet, Edward grinned and took my chin in his hand and brought my lips to his. "Gorgeous." He repeated.

I stumbled away from him. "Let's get going. I don't want to be late." I mumbled and pushed him toward the door. Edward chuckled but did what I said, sending me a glance as he did so.

I rolled my eyes and walked out behind him. When we got in the car Brian and Lucy were already in and ready, Brian was in the front seat. "Oh no, I don't think so." I shook my head nodding toward the back.

"Belllllaaa," Brian whined like my usual annoying little fourteen year old brother.

I smirked. "I'm older!" I said, in a singsong voice. The epitome of what a normal older sister would say in that instance. I heard Edward chuckle from his side of the car.

"Fine." Brian huffed and climbed through the middle to the backseat.

"Hey dude! Watch it! Those are leather!" Edward cried in agony.

I shook my head and fell easily into the seat. This family sure is a weird one. But I love them anyway.

When we pulled up to The Cullen house I could literally feel my heartbeat in my ears. The kids started to run out of the car but I hit the parent lock. And locked them in. They both sent me a confused look. "Listen. You guys both need to behave. Brian keep your smart mouth under control tonight." I said sternly

I turned to my daughter then, "And Lucy. You have to listen to mommy and Edward," I glanced at Edward then. It felt strange saying that. He smiled at me so I continued, "No matter what."

"I got it Mommy!" Lucy said as she kicked her feet in anticipation.

"Okay then," I unlocked the door. "Have at it." Lucy squealed and threw open her door, Brian followed at a much slower pace. I could tell he was nervous.

I quickly threw open my door and wrapped my arm around his shoulders. "Hey, it's okay. This is our family now."

Brian turned to me and smiled shyly, "You mean it?"

I swallowed the lump that was rising up in my throat. Every family we've had has been ripped away. "I'm going to Marry Edward." I announced out loud for the first time. "I mean, I don't want to jinx it. But no matter what he does I know I will find my way back to him. He's my other half Brian."

Brian grinned, "I know."

Edward came to my side then and we both watched as Brian walked up to the house. Lucy was already banging on the door, "Lucy!" I scolded.

Suddenly an older woman poked her head out the door with a grin and smiled at me, "Oh it's quite alright!" She smiled. She kneeled down the Lucy's height. "Hello! You must be Lucy! I'm Esme, but you can call me nana like all the other kids around here." She pulled a man out beside her then. I could tell his resemblance to Edward easily. "And this is Carlisle but you can call him Gramps!"

She glanced up at Brian then and narrowed her eyes, "The same goes for you young man. I won't tolerate anything less."

Brian glanced back at Edward and I. Edward nodded at Brian and nudged him. "Uh, yes Ma'am." He stuttered out.

Esme grinned, "Great! Well then I have to greet the woman of the hour." She looked at me before throwing her arms around my neck and squeezing me.

"Mom." Edward groaned.

I laughed. "It's okay, I'm a hugger."

Esme pulled back and her eyes twinkled, "Me too." She laughed.

Carlisle smiled warmly at me. "Hi Bella nice to meet you."

"You as well, Carlisle."

Edward rubbed his hand down my back. I glanced at him and he smiled, I smiled back. "Well don't stand out here in the hot, come on in!" Esme motioned us in.

When we walked through the door I couldn't help but stare in amazement. Most of the house was windows. And it opened right up into a giant open living room, and dining room. The room was super high, with giant fans at the top. It was entirely too elegant for my kids to screw it up.

"Dinner should be on the table in about 5 more minutes. Next time we'll have to let you help. Rosalie tells me that you all are thinking about opening your own restaurant?"

I nodded, "Yes it's kind of a dream of mine." I confessed with a blush.

Esme smiled, "Then we'll have to make sure it happens. You can go ahead and take a seat. The boys are going to bring it to the table."

Edward led us to the table and pulled out a seat for me, he picked Lucy up and sat her down on the other side of me. Then motioned for Brian to sit next to the seat he would be sitting. "I'll be back guys." He mumbled before walking to the kitchen to help too.

I glanced sideways around the room. The kids were quiet I guess they were observing as well.

The quiet was ended when Jazzy burst into the room. "Lucy!" She yelled. Her head bobbed around looking in all directions for her friend.

"Over here!"

Jazzy ran around the table to Lucy and attempted to climb up on the chair, I started to protest but Jasper saved me. "No darlin' not right now. There'll be plenty of time after supper. Go sit in your seat right now."

Jazzy pouted.

"Now Jasmine."

She stomped over to her seat where Jasper helped her up.

Everyone else followed suit. Getting in their chairs. Rosalie's boys looked especially cute with their hair spiked up identically.

Suddenly an unfamiliar boy around Brian's age came through the door. "Oh!" Alice cleared her throat. "This is Jasper and I's nephew, Clay. He's going to stay with us from now on."

My jaw dropped as I stared at me best friend she avoided my gaze well. "How old are you, Clay?" Edward asked as he took his seat.

"14. I'll be 15 in January."

Brian smiled, "Hey, you'll be in my grade."

Clay grinned and nodded, "Yep." He said simply. Something about him didn't set well with me in that moment. He seemed like a trouble maker.

"You play any sports Clay?" Emmett asked.

"Football."

"Position?"

"Wide receiver."

All the boys grunted in satisfaction. I think Brian sighed in relief.

"Okay enough." Esme firmly said, "Lets give thanks for this meal and for our family."

So we did. I glanced up in the prayer and saw Clay glancing around. I would have to ask Alice about him after supper.

The dinner was nice. I didn't feel awkward, in fact I felt right at place. Lucy, Jazzy, Austin, and Parks couldn't contain themselves. They only ate about three bites before running off together to play much to us parents dislike. And even furthermore to my displeasure Brian and Clay went off together.

When we were cleaning up afterwards I cornered Alice alone in the kitchen. "Okay spill it. Why exactly is Clay here on such short notice?"

Alice sighed, "Listen Bella he's had it rough." I crossed my arms over my chest and cocked an eyebrow, "Okay. Jasper's Aunt isn't suitable to take care of him anymore. She's old. And he's been in and out of a couple foster homes."

I softened then, "Why'd he get sent out."

Alice looked up at me sheepishly, "He stole some stuff."

My eyes widened, "My little brother isn't going to hang around some criminal!"

Alice rolled her eyes, "He isn't a criminal Bella. He stole food. He was hungry."

Well didn't I feel like a big bitch then. "Oh."

Alice rolled her eyes, "Yeah oh."

I smiled sheepishly, "Sorry. My big sister scenes were tingling."

Alice laughed, "Aren't they always?"

"True." I grinned.

"So, I was actually going to ask you something about all this."

"Yes?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Well jasper and I can't, because we just simply can't afford it, heartbreaking enough right now. But you and Edward can..."

"Alice just spit it out."

"Well in the last Foster home Clay was in he fell in love with the other kids there. Blake, a girl, who's 11. And a little boy, Jax, who's 8."

"Yes?"

"Well they are really in a bad home Bella. And I just feel so bad. I feel like Clay is going to do anything to get back to them and he can't do that. And they really need a nice home. Their foster parents are freaken drug dealers. I'm sure if the NFL quarterback came in there they would give them to y'all."

My head spun with this information. "Alice," my voice cracked. A terrible picture of a young girl and little boy in that horrible house flashed in my mind. "Oh Alice, I don't think they would let me and Edward take kids. We aren't married. We wouldn't be considered a stable home."

Alice's face broke, "Bella you have to do something." My eyes started tearing up as she went into hysterics. "Bella you didn't see them. Those kids begged me to take them. They literally held me as I walked out the door. Clay was balling. They can't live like that."

I swallowed hard and scrunched my face up into determination. "I will do something." I said firmly. Something inside me knew that, that could have been me when I was little. With Brian. They were us, and I can't let someone live through the struggles I did at an even younger age. I won't.

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